On October 11, 2025, India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated more than 1,100 projects worth over ₹42,000 crore for the benefit of farmers across the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing. On this occasion, the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana and the Dal Swavalamban Mission were also officially launched.

At the Indian Institute of Water Management (ICAR-IIWM) in Bhubaneswar, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the state-level programme was graced by Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Hon’ble Minister of Home, Urban Development, and Public Enterprises, Government of Odisha, who attended as the Chief Guest and addressed the assembled farmers.

In his address, the Minister emphasized India’s rapid progress under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s mission to empower farmers and make India the “Granary of the World.” Addressing the nation’s dependence on pulse imports, he stated that the government aims to expand the area under pulses from 27.5 million hectares to 31 million hectares by 2030–31. Farmers will receive 12.6 million quintals of certified seeds and about 8.8 million free mini seed kits.

The government has also set a target to establish 1,000 food processing units nationwide, each with a subsidy provision of ₹25 lakh. Under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Yojana, 100 low-productivity districts have been identified, including Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Nuapada, and Sundargarh from Odisha. Efforts in these districts will focus on irrigation improvement, credit access, crop protection, and diversification to enhance both production and productivity.

A scientist–farmer interactive session was also organized, attended by over 200 farmers from Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, and Nayagarh districts. Scientists answered various questions raised by farmers, and the Hon’ble Minister distributed certified paddy seeds and vegetable seed kits to the participants.

Dr. Arjamadatta Shadangi, Director of ICAR-IIWM, highlighted technologies developed by the institute for enhancing productivity through efficient water use, urging farmers to adopt these innovations. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Suman Kumar Mishra, Principal Scientist, who also delivered the vote of thanks.

Another similar programme was held at the Darpanarayanpur Water User Association Hall in Ranpur Block, Nayagarh District, where Dr. Rabindra Kumar Panda, Dr. Pramod Kumar Panda, Dr. Sanatan Pradhan, and Ranpur Block Agriculture Officer Shri Purushottam Subudhi addressed the farmers. They explained the objectives and benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Yojana and the Pulse Self-Reliance Mission. Hundreds of farmers from Darpanarayanpur, Bapujipalli, and Kendudhipi villages participated in the event.